National SUP Surf champs return to Tofino

Canada’s original stand up paddle surf contest is coming back to Tofino and this time it’s bringing it’s big brother. Back by popular demand, Canada’s most passionate stand up paddleboard surfers return to the west coast of Canada for the second annual Tofino Paddle Surf SUP Invitational, October 23 to 25, 2015.

“It’s a fun, competitive event,” says Catherine Bruhwiler, the organizer and owner of Tofino Paddle Surf. “We’re inviting any committed stand up paddle surfer from Canada and beyond to a fun and supportive weekend of competing and partying.”

Last year 64 SUP surfers from Ontario, California, Washington and Hawaii joined a strong crew from Vancouver Island and B.C. in the inaugural event. The two day contest featured judged heats in Pro men, amateur men and a women’s division. The top surfers in the pro and women’s went on to represent Canada at the ISA World Championships.

This year SUP surf won’t be the only contest on the water. The Invitational will wrap up with a one day surf contest.

“By adding a surf contest component we create an environment of mutual respect between all disciplines of surf,” says Bruhwiler, who will compete in both disciplines. “It’s an opportunity to bring people together to share their love of surf, the ocean and the beach.”

SUP surfers will compete on Friday and Saturday with the winners crowned at a Saturday night banquet. Surfers will take to the water on Sunday for their contest. Both will be held at one of the beaches near Tofino, British Columbia, Canada’s surf capital.

“Tofino’s an ideal location for a surf contest,” says Bruhwiler. “With several beaches to choose from, each facing a slightly different direction, we can pick the best venue for the conditions, ensuring quality surf.”

The SUP and surf community has jumped on board the event. Last year almost everyone received some sort of prize from sponsors, including SUP boards for top finishers. Bruhwiler expects similar overwhelming support and interest this year.

“I got a lot of great feedback on our inaugural event,” she says. “I think this year’s event will be even better.”

The Tofino Paddle Surf SUP Invitational is supported by sponsors, friends, and volunteers. The fun, competitive event invites talented and committed standup paddle surfers and surfers in Canada and beyond to shred the waves in Tofino this coming October 23, 24 and 25, 2015. Qualifying surfers are stoked, educated, and part of our epic and growing international SUP and surf community.

The Tofino Paddle Surf SUP Invitational will run as a three day event in Tofino, using a classic heat/judging panel format, and have open pro men’s, amateur and a women’s divisions. By adding a ’surf’ contest component this year, we create an environment of mutual respect between all disciplines of surf and provide an opportunity to bring people together to share their love of surf and their community and to have a good time together.

We are proud to announce that this event is sanctioned as the official Canadian Surfing Associations Qualifying Event for representation at the 2016 ISA World SUP Games for both men and women’s divisions.

The awards banquet will be held on Saturday evening, catered by the WOLF IN THE FOG Restaurant, downtown Tofino, October 24 and into the night.